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KUMI - The health ministry has launched the National Viral Hepatitis Prevention Strategic Plan targeted at curbing the spread of  Hepatitis B and C. 

The launch was held in Kumi district during the commemoration of World Hepatitis Day on Friday, August 2, 2024, under the theme: Eliminate Hepatitis, Hepatitis Can’t Wait It’s Time for Action.

Health state minister in charge of general duties Hannifah Kawoya urged Ugandans to wake up and step up the fight against Hepatitis B and C stressing that the increasing numbers of people getting infected is worrying nationally, especially in the northeastern region.

"Together we can eliminate this epidemic as a country if we sensitise our communities,” the minister said.

She also urged on the health workers to ensure that screening is regularly carried out in health facilities adding that as the ministry launches the strategic plan, the Government will ensure that the necessary support is given to achieve the fight against Hepatitis.

She lauded the NRM government for the fight against corruption, which will save money to save lives of the people through the health ministry.

“Why can’t we be moral by taking what you are to take, I have never been corrupt for the time I have been in leadership in this country,” the minister emphasised.

Over two million living with the disease

Prof. Dr. Ponsiano Ocama, a specialist herpetologist who focuses on viral infections in the health ministry, said worldwide about 300 million people are living with Hepatitis B viral infection.

He added that in Uganda two million people have Hepatitis B and the northern and the eastern district of Uganda are leading with the prevalence.

"The rate of liver disease is very high and many people die but we can eliminate this through vaccination,”  Ocama said.

Dr Charles Olara, the director in charge of curative services, said as a ministry, the test and treatment programme for Hepatitis B will soon be rolled out across the country. He challenged the people of Teso to ensure that they embrace the programme so that  Hepatitis is eliminated and associated diseases like HIV/ Aids and Syphilis.

"Those who have this disease should enroll for treatment,” Olara said. 

He added that the challenge with people, especially in the north and eastern regions, is that even those who are diagnosed with this disease, take alcohol and they even die very first.

Over 300 infected in Kumi

Kumi district health officer Dr Emmanuel Ongala admitted that Hepatitis is still a threat in the district stressing that during July they carried tests across the district out of 3,000 people who were tested 300 turned out to be positive for Hepatitis B.

"As a district, we are committed to continue sensitizing and mobilising the communities on the immunization and treatment of those who are positive,”  Ongala explained.

Dr Kaggwa Mugagga, the country advisor Hepatitis B working with World Health Organisation, said worldwide 3,500 people die every day 254 million people live with Hepatitis and a majority remain unscreened and treated.

He added that in Africa, 65 million people live with Hepatitis B and eight million live with Hepatitis C a percentage of about 13% and only 3% are treated.